Chapter 54: There Is Always Someone Better, and Beyond the Heavens Lie Further Heavens

After everyone had eaten and drunk to their hearts' content, they exchanged smiles and waved goodbye to one another.

Seeing Yang Qingyuan chatting and laughing amicably with Wangquan Baye and the others, Wen Bolin, who had been waiting downstairs all this time, widened his eyes in astonishment.

Although the young master of the Wangquan family of this generation, Wangquan Baye, rarely showed his face in public, that did not mean Wen Bolin failed to recognize the other members of the Mask organization.

As direct descendants of top-tier noble families within the One Qi Taoist Alliance, Wen Bolin was naturally far from unfamiliar with people like Li Quzhuo and the others.

"Could those be... Li Quzhuo and Li Zizai of the Li family? And Yang Yitan of the Yang family?!"

"Not just them, Young Master! Ji Wuji of the Ji family, Mu Shenqi of the Mu family, and Qing Muyuan of the Qing family—these are all future heirs to the major noble houses of the Taoist Alliance!"

"Then who on earth are the remaining two holding swords, a man and a woman?"

The moment he asked this question, Wen Bolin and his personal attendant exchanged a look.

At that very instant, the exact same possibility arose simultaneously in both of their minds.

The Sword of Heaven and Earth, the Wangquan Family!

"Young Master, this time... we really kicked an iron plate!"

"Damn it! With so many exalted and noble scions from prestigious families around, why on earth did they all choose to gather in such a tiny tavern?!"

"Weren't you there too, Young Master..."

"Nonsense!! Are you suggesting that I should waltz into a top-tier sanctuary like the One Qi Pavilion to kick people out? That would be pure suicide!!"

"That is true..."

Wen Bolin cast a deep, lingering look at Yang Qingyuan, who was seeing the members of the Mask off, while a wave of lingering confusion arose within his heart.

To be able to jest and laugh so freely with so many prominent second-generation nobles, this person ought to be a direct descendant of some major influential clan as well.

Yet why on earth did he not have the slightest impression of him?

Moreover, when it came to lightning techniques, which Taoist Alliance family could possibly surpass the Wen family?

Just as Wen Bolin was gradually sinking into deep thought, Yang Qingyuan had already seen off all the members of the Mask except for Yang Yitan.

"Alright, they've finally all left."

"We should head back too. Baye said we'll be officially setting off for the other demon realms tomorrow."

"Mm."

Yang Qingyuan nodded. Just as he was about to turn back, a sudden thought crossed his mind, prompting him to instantly pivot on his heel and walk up to Wen Bolin with a faint smile.

"You really were waiting for us?"

Seeing Yang Qingyuan's beaming expression, Wen Bolin's mind involuntarily flashed back to the scene shortly before, where he had been utterly thrashed by Yang Qingyuan using the very lightning techniques the Wen family took such pride in.

"I've paid full compensation for everything, and I've settled the tab for all your meals as well, consider it my apology," Wen Bolin said, gritting his teeth and bracing himself.

Yang Qingyuan narrowed his eyes with a smile. So cooperative?

This fellow actually knew how to read the room.

"Many thanks, Young Master Wen. In light of your immense generosity in treating us, let me gift you a small token in return."

With that, Yang Qingyuan channeled his spiritual power and tapped a finger directly against the center of Wen Bolin's brow.

"Ah!"

Wen Bolin let out a sharp cry, then gripped his head in excruciating pain.

"What did you do to our young master?!"

Ignoring the attendant entirely, Yang Qingyuan spoke in a calm, unhurried tone: "These are a few personal insights and comprehension I've gained through cultivating the Dao of Lightning. Young Master Wen, let me leave you with a few words.

There are always people better than you, and heavens beyond the heavens. If you only wish to remain a frivolous playboy, then you needn't take any of this to heart.

However, if you still harbor even a shred of pride as a disciple of the Wen family and an elite of the Taoist Alliance, then stop wasting your natural talent."

Having said this, Yang Qingyuan bid farewell to Yang Yitan, and the two of them turned around together, walking away from the Drunken Immortal Tower.

Long after Yang Qingyuan had departed, the agonizing expression on Wen Bolin's face finally began to subside slightly.

"Young Master, are you alright?"

"I'm fine..."

Wen Bolin shook his head, slowly pulling himself up with the support of his attendant.

Just as that man had claimed before leaving, a vast array of profound insights regarding the cultivation of lightning arts had suddenly flooded into his mind.

Even after just a brief, superficial glance, Wen Bolin felt he had gained a significantly deeper understanding of his family's summoning lightning techniques.

He simply dared not imagine just how far that fellow had traveled along the path of lightning...

"There are people beyond people, and heavens beyond the heavens, huh... Little San, it seems your young master has indeed been viewing the sky from the bottom of a well all these years..."

-----------------

The next day, after a full day of rest and recovery at home, the members of the Mask gathered once again at a dilapidated temple outside the city.

Since their destination this time lay within the territories of demons, Wangquan Baye had no grand instructions to give regarding the mission, repeatedly emphasizing only one core principle above all else: personal safety comes first.

Because Yang Qingyuan and Wangquan Yizui had already completed their scouting mission to Tushan in advance, the two of them essentially acted as free agents for this operation.

Initially, Yang Qingyuan had intended to accompany Yang Yitan and the others directly to Beishan to thoroughly investigate the origins of that wolf demon from years past.

However, considering that Tushan Yaya still required him to facilitate an introduction with Wangquan Baye, he had no choice but to accompany Wangquan Baye to Nanguo first.

As for Wangquan Yizui, naturally, there was no way she would miss out on all the excitement.

Ultimately, after exchanging farewells, the group scattered and flew off in different directions.

"I hear that southern demon realm is known as the Myriad-Mile Poisonous Wasteland, and every single demon inside is a master of venom. Come, come! These are defensive magical treasures against poison that I refined myself, one for each of you."

Along the way, Li Quzhuo began distributing the artifacts he had crafted like a joyful deity of wealth.

"This scabbard is for the Boss, this sachet is for Little Zui, and as for you, Qingyuan..."

"I don't need one. Ordinary poisons are useless against me, and whatever poison is potent enough to matter, your magical treasures won't be able to block it anyway," Yang Qingyuan replied, shaking his head.

"I know, that's why I didn't prepare one for you in the first place."

"..."

The corners of Yang Qingyuan's mouth twitched.

If you didn't prepare one, why on earth did you even ask?!

"That may be so, but I'm still quite curious—what kind of cultivation technique do you practice anyway? Dual-cultivating both spiritual power and physical body is one thing, but how on earth do you manage to become completely immune to all poisons?"

"Didn't I tell you already? My cultivation method just suddenly popped into my head out of nowhere. If you don't believe me, go back and ask Yitan."

"Tch, keep spinning your tales. Go right ahead and keep fooling me."

Li Quzhuo made a playful face at Yang Qingyuan, though he didn't dwell on it further.

Everyone had their own secrets, and even he was no exception, so he could fully understand.

"Oh, right, Qingyuan, have you notified the Second Mistress of Tushan yet?" Wangquan Baye suddenly turned his head to ask.

"Mm, we can head straight to Nanguo."

"Alright, then let's pick up the pace just a bit."

"You got it, Boss!"

...

One day later, within the borders of Nanguo.

After traveling day and night without rest for a full twenty-four hours, the group finally arrived at the legendary Myriad-Mile Southern Wilderness.

"I can't go on, Big Brother, I'm so exhausted! Can't we find an inn somewhere to rest for a bit first?"

Wangquan Yizui tugged at Yang Qingyuan's sleeve, looking utterly lifeless and half-dead, as if she might draw her last breath at any second.

Wangquan Baye cast a helpless glance at his younger sister, then shifted his gaze toward Yang Qingyuan.

"Is the meeting spot you arranged somewhere nearby?"

"Mm," Yang Qingyuan nodded.